Levi’s and H&M are teaming up with the International Textile Garment & Leather Workers†Federation to ban sandblasting for apparel products (denim and heavier materials are most likely to receive the treatment), and it’s because of a disturbing trend.

Not a fashion one, though if you’re not a fan of the sandblasted look you may already be in agreement.

“Between 2005 and 2009, 40 garment workers in Turkey reportedly died from a lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica, a substance used to make sandblasted denim. As a result, the Turkish government outlawed the practice; last year, Levi’s and H&M stopped using sandblasted products.” {The Cut}

Hopefully the pairing adds weight to the 2009 decision of H&M and Levi’s not to purchase or sell sandblasted products, when the companies determined that safe labor practices were skirted with suppliers and subcontracters.

Treehugger reports that “when the Turkish Health Ministry prohibited the practice in 2009, many firms simply picked up stakes and made new deals in less-stringent Pakistan, Egypt and Syria.”

Professor Zeki Kılıçaslan, a chest physician at Istanbul University, says that sandblasting is “a very profitable job because it adds a value of 50 percent to a product.” {Treehugger}

When continuously inhaled, crystalline silica dust can get stuck in lungs and irritate them, reducing lung capacity and leading to bronchitis or cancer. It wasn’t specified which disease killed the Turkish workers, but it’s definitely worth eliminating the practice if it means reducing the risk of garment workers becoming fashion victims.

Canard Inc., a New York catering firm shared some of the tasty treats they’ll be preparing, and we’ve also picked out a few of the tastiest sounding events where – despite the seeming irony – fashion meets food.

Levi’s

Mini-burgers from Canard

Canard is catering a “workman themed event with modern interpretations of classic dishes.” Stop by for

• mac-n-cheese – macaroni and cheese square with truffle oil
• wings – deconstructed chicken wings with buffalo sauce, roquefort dip and celery stick skewer
• cheeseburgers – bite-sized turkey cheeseburgers on poppy seed brioche buns with catsup and mustard

On one hand, we’d say don’t overdo it. On the other, this could be a great way to find out if the jeans you’re eyeing will hold up during holiday meals and other food indulging events.

Via Spiga

Canard will be giving the shoemaker a “sophisticated Italian” menu with

• cheesecake lollipops
• cannolis
• espressos

Judith Leiber

If you’re a true recessionista, the closest you’d normally come to Judith Leiber is probably a lucky find at Housing Works or the right resale shop. Just for this night, the minaudiere maker will be doing something just for the recessionistas, courtesy of Canard.

• “recessionista” cocktail – Stoli vodka, cranberry, fresh lime, 7-up
• upscale pigs-in-a-blanket, skewered with mustard dollop
• mini NY-style cheesecake with black wafer crust

Crumbs Bake Shop

It won’t be free, but Crumbs – one of the best cupcake makers in New York (we’re going on personal taste tests here) will be selling a special Fashion’s Night Out cupcake with a portion of sales benefiting the New York AIDS fund. No details on what’s in the cupcake, but we’re betting  that it will be worth trying.

Dylan’s Candy Bar

Dylanâ€s Candy Bar and Savannah College of Art and Design have teamed up for a sugary sweet shopping evening with a Marshmallow Gun battle and  candy cocktails, compliments of Ed Hardy Vodka. Candy couture dresses designed by students of the Savannah College of Art and Design will be displayed if you need a little Project Runway-esque inspiration for your candy shopping.

Food Truck Faceoff at Lord & Taylor

Starting at 6pm, Cupcakestop.com, Street Sweets, Treats Truck and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream will park their trucks and set up shop at various spots around the store.

Fitting seamlessly into the recent Americana trend is the latest collaboration between Levis and skater and musician Tommy Guerrero.

No word yet on when the collab officially drops, but for now we get a sneak peak at the above two pieces which mix the classic Levi’s denim look with a kitschy Mexican-inspired theme.

When the collection finally does hit stores, though, please (do we really have to tell you this?) don’t wear both pieces together at the same time, unless you actually want to look like a bad hybrid between 21 Jump Street and There Will Be Blood.

Read the full story {High Snobiety}

(As an aside, did you know the OBEY logo was originally based on an image of André the Giant?)

The updated Seattle-grunge feel is casual and cool, and all the pieces within the capsule collection look suitably laid-back and broken-in. (We could, however, do without the check button-down, which looks literally grimy with motor oil.)

It’s always interesting when unconventional artists “make it” in the real world, and the Obey x Levi’s collaboration manages to keep the street cred while delivering the goods.

Read the full story {Hypebeast}